The fourth edition of the Sharjah Booksellers Conference 2025 came to a close, leaving an indelible mark on the global literary and publishing industries. Hosted by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the two-day event brought together more than 750 book industry professionals from over 90 countries. Taking place at the Expo Centre Sharjah alongside the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, the conference spotlighted key challenges and breakthroughs in bookselling while reinforcing Sharjah’s growing influence in shaping international publishing dialogues.
Sharjah as a Publishing Powerhouse
Sharjah’s consistent investment in cultural diplomacy has turned it into a vital node in the global publishing network. From being named UNESCO’s World Book Capital in 2019 to hosting a series of high-profile literary events, Sharjah has maintained momentum in its vision to champion books, reading, and knowledge exchange. The 2025 Booksellers Conference furthered this vision by focusing on the evolving roles of booksellers as community builders, digital navigators, and agents of cultural preservation.
In her opening remarks, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and a global publishing advocate, set the tone by emphasizing the importance of reinvention. She highlighted five core competencies booksellers must adopt to remain relevant: strategic thinking, financial literacy, digital fluency, customer empathy, and local community leadership. Her words resonated as both a rallying cry and a blueprint for survival in a rapidly changing retail environment.
A Global Forum of Exchange and Innovation
This year’s conference was the most diverse yet, with participants ranging from large-scale distributors and independent bookstore owners to literary agents, librarians, and digital platform developers. Sessions were meticulously curated to address the changing landscape of bookselling—from e-commerce disruption and AI-driven customer service to sustainability in publishing and global rights management.
One of the most talked-about keynotes was delivered by Renato Salvetti, CEO of Messaggerie Libri, Italy’s largest book distributor. He offered an in-depth analysis of shifting global logistics and distribution, advocating for environmentally conscious, tech-enabled supply chains. He pointed to hybrid models integrating print-on-demand, smaller warehousing, and localized delivery systems as the future of bookselling.
In parallel sessions, booksellers from countries including Romania, South Africa, India, Nigeria, and Brazil shared success stories rooted in resilience and innovation. Whether it was through mobile libraries, community outreach, or multilingual collections, these professionals showcased how booksellers are expanding their impact far beyond the cash register.
Celebrating Community and Creativity
The 2025 edition stood out not just for its strategic discussions but for the emotional depth of its storytelling segments. Booksellers like Serban Radu and Nicoleta Iordan, founders of Romania’s Carturesti bookstore chain, shared personal stories of transformation and perseverance. From a single store in Bucharest to a nationwide brand known for cultural immersion and artistic ambiance, their journey served as a powerful testament to the importance of authenticity and customer engagement.
Other booksellers echoed similar sentiments, advocating for independent bookstores as community sanctuaries. Whether in Nairobi or New Delhi, booksellers described their spaces as more than retail outlets—they were platforms for poetry readings, educational workshops, language learning, and activism.
Digital and Environmental Agendas Take Center Stage
Several sessions focused on technology’s evolving role in reshaping bookselling. AI tools for personalized recommendations, customer data analytics, and online marketing strategies were extensively discussed. Participants explored how digital channels can complement in-store experiences and increase accessibility, especially in underserved regions.
Equally prominent was the emphasis on environmental responsibility. From recyclable packaging to reducing carbon footprints in shipping, sustainability emerged as a top priority. Publishers and booksellers alike acknowledged the urgent need to align business practices with ecological goals.
These conversations were further enriched by the presence of green startups offering alternative paper products, carbon-tracking apps, and digital catalog platforms that reduce the need for print collateral. The conference offered a much-needed opportunity for these eco-focused innovations to be matched with real-world applications in publishing and retail.
Strategic Alliances and Collaborative Networks
Beyond the knowledge sharing, the Sharjah Booksellers Conference 2025 served as fertile ground for new partnerships and business opportunities. Representatives from African, Arab, Asian, and Western markets used the event to explore bilateral collaborations, rights exchanges, co-publishing deals, and regional distribution arrangements.
This collaborative spirit was further encouraged through structured networking zones and curated matchmaking sessions. Independent bookstores from Southeast Asia found distributors in Europe. African publishers explored sales channels with Middle Eastern retailers. Latin American booksellers engaged in rights discussions with Indian publishers. The global reach of the event was unprecedented.
Sharjah’s role in facilitating such cooperation was praised by many delegates, who noted that few other platforms offer the same level of access, cultural depth, and institutional support. Several MoUs were signed during the event, hinting at a flurry of joint ventures and publishing collaborations to follow.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Bookselling
As the conference concluded, it became clear that booksellers around the world are stepping into multifaceted roles that go far beyond selling books. They are now curators of experience, influencers of taste, social educators, and even policy advocates. Sheikha Bodour’s closing remarks urged participants to embrace these evolving responsibilities with both courage and clarity.
To support this transformation, the Sharjah Book Authority announced new initiatives, including:
- A Global Booksellers Fellowship Program
- Funding support for bookstore innovations in under-resourced regions
- A digital platform for continuous knowledge sharing beyond the annual conference
- A grant program to support bookselling ventures that demonstrate environmental and social impact
These initiatives reflect Sharjah’s commitment not just to hosting an event, but to actively investing in the future of the global book economy.
A Cultural Commitment That Inspires
The conclusion of the Sharjah Booksellers Conference 2025 was not an end, but a launchpad. Participants left with new ideas, renewed energy, and a collective vision for strengthening the literary ecosystem. More importantly, they left with a reaffirmed belief that books—and those who sell them—still hold transformative power in societies worldwide.
By creating a space where tradition meets innovation, Sharjah continues to act as a catalyst for positive change. In doing so, it not only champions the publishing industry but also upholds a larger cultural mission: to ensure that stories, knowledge, and imagination remain accessible, relevant, and celebrated in every corner of the globe.
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